Trains to Devon

Travelling from London to Devon by train

Getting to Devon couldn't be easier by train. You can travel from London to Exeter in around two hours without any changes. Other major destinations include Exmouth, Barnstaple, Cranbrook, Newtown Abbot and Torquay.

Services to Devon are run by Great Western Railway and depart from London Paddington, the station serving routes into the West and South West of England and the most popular way to enter the county by train. This service's key calling points include Reading, Swindon (Wells) and Taunton. There are several routes from London to Devon, depending on which part of the county you want to visit. GWR trains are fast and comfortable, meaning you can kick back and watch the countryside roll by from your train window:

Route	Journey time	Changes
London to Exeter	2h 3m	Direct
London to Torquay	3h 0m	Direct
London to Plymouth	2h 57m	Direct
London to Totnes	2h 36m	Direct
London to Exmouth	3h 13m	1

 

Paddington Station is the gateway to Devon from London, but access from other areas is straightforward enough. For example, you can get from Bristol to Taunton in just 1h 27m on the fastest services and from Southampton to Exeter in 2h 30m, usually changing at Westbury.

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Arriving in Devon

Wherever your starting point or destination is, travelling by train to Devon is a convenient and efficient way to arrive. As it's so close to London and other towns, you can head there for day trips or a long weekend away from the bustle of the city! Some of the highlights of a trip to Devon include Exeter Cathedral, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum, the quirky A La Ronde, a stately home in Exmouth, and cycling the Tarpa Trail in Barnstaple.

Planning your next family holiday in the UK and not sure where to go? Check out our guide to the best family staycations in the UK, Devon is one of them!

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Top 5 destinations in Devon

1. Exeter

The county town of Devon is full of exciting history and beautiful old streets to wander through. You will almost certainly arrive at Exeter Central station, although some services pull into Exeter St Davids and Exeter St Thomas. As well as the cathedral and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, be sure to check out the Medieval underground passages. This hidden side of the city is truly fascinating.

2. Exmouth

Trains to Devon can also take you to a world of nature while remaining conveniently close to towns. As well as being a charming place with a colourful port, Exmouth is a superb base for nature holidays. You can head out to the Exe Estuary, which is particularly great for cyclists. Alternatively, you can go for a walk to Orcombe Point, a World Heritage coastal point. The World of Country Life is a nature park with a petting zoo and farming museum, well worth a visit.

3. Torquay

A quintessential British holiday resort, Torquay is fantastic for family holidays. Admire the grounds and interior of the grand Torre Abbey, paddle at the beach of Meadfoot and visit the prehistoric caves at Kents Cavern. This may be the setting of Fawlty Towers, but the hotels here are anything but chaotic! You and your family will soon be having an unforgettable holiday eating ice cream and strolling along this most dazzling of coastlines.

4. Dartmouth

History buffs are in for a particular treat in Dartmouth with the 14^th-century Dartmouth Castle offering splendid views out across the estuary. You can also take a ride on the iconic Dartmouth Steam Railway and tour the local countryside. The beaches here are excellent too, with Blackpool Sands being a top place to spend the day. You can even rent kayaks and take to the water if you’re feeling active.

5. Newton Abbot

This is the perfect place to get away from it all in Devon, in peaceful surroundings that still offer authentic local pubs. Hike along the Hackney Marshes or kick back and enjoy a picnic at the lake of Stover Country Park. For an exhilarating group activity, check out the escape room experience at Devon Escape.

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Devon train stations

Here are the major calling points in Devon, which will give you an idea of the brilliant destinations just waiting to be discovered by train. As it's such a large county with a lot to discover, you could well be inspired to return again and again.

• Axminster
• Barnstaple
• Bere Alston
• Bere Ferrers
• Chapelton
• Copplestone
• Cranbrook
• Crediton
• Dawlish
• Dawlish Warren
• Eggesford
• Exeter Central
• Exeter St Davids
• Exeter St Thomas
• Exmouth
• Exton
• Feniton
• Honiton
• Ivybridge
• King's Nympton
• Lapford
• Lympstone Commando
• Lympstone Village
• Morchard Road
• Newton Abbot
• Newton St Cyres
• Okehampton
• Paignton
• Portsmouth Arms
• Sampford Courtenay
• Starcross
• Teignmouth
• Tiverton Parkway
• Torquay
• Torre
• Totnes
• Umberleigh
• Whimple
• Yeoford

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Frequently asked questions

How can I get cheap train tickets to Devon?

It's easy to grab yourself cheap train tickets to Devon. We’d recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. 

Are trains running to Devon?

Trains run frequently almost every day to Devon, although there may be less services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Devon.

How long does it take to get to Devon by train?

You can view train timetables and travel times to Devon in our Journey Planner. Devon is well connected to major cities around the UK by train, just enter your departure station and travel date into our Journey Planner to see how long it takes.

Can I use my Railcard to save up to 1/3 on my trip to Devon?

Yes, there are several types of Railcards you can use to save up to 1/3 on your trip to Devon, these include:

• Network Railcard (London & South East Travel Zone)
• Two-Together Railcard (Great for couples and friends who always travel together)
• 16-17 Saver (You can save up to 50% with this one)
• 16-25 Railcard (Ideal for students)
• 26-30 Railcard (Also known as the Millennial Railcard)
• Senior Railcard (For those aged 60 and over)
• Family & Friends Railcard (Great for families of up to 4 adults with up to 4 kids)
• Disabled Persons Railcard (If travelling with another adult they can save too)

Having a Railcard means you can use it whenever you want outside of Peak times for a whole year too.